Three of the seven charged with three misdemeanor charges each in the No DAPL protest that shut down I5 and allegedly caused an accident in Feb. 2017, appear in Whatcom County Superior Court Friday morning, Feb.16, 2018.

Snow geese flock to rural areas of the western Skagit County lowlands every fall and winter, where they feed on the leavings of crops in harvested fields. Flooded fields around Farm To Market Road offer the best viewing opportunities, as well as Fir Island, a state wildlife area.

Kane and Claudia Hall, who lead a group called Canoe Street, LLC, have purchased the Dutch Village Mall in Lynden for $2.6 million. The mall in downtown Lynden is home to several stores and an iconic 72-foot windmill.

Eric Richey, chief criminal deputy prosecuting attorney, delivers the prosecution's opening statement in the trial of Tyler Ryan on Monday, Feb. 12, in Whatcom County Superior Court in Bellingham. Ryan is accused of raping a teen girl who had been a babysitter for his family. Video was edited for time.

David Allen, defense attorney, delivers the defense's opening statement in the trial of Tyler Ryan on Monday, Feb. 12, in Whatcom County Superior Court in Bellingham. Ryan is accused of raping a teen girl who had been a babysitter for his family. Video was edited for time.

Even with rising home prices in Bellingham, the area continues to attract the attention of Seattle residents, according to Redfin. Here's what some other national websites say about what attracts people to live here.